Jim Kolbe was born June 28, 1942 in Evanston, IL and moved with his family to a ranch in Sonoita, AZ when he was just 5 years old. The lure of public service was first realized in 1958 when he was selected to serve as a page for Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) for a 2-year term. In 1965 Jim received his BA in Political Science from Northwestern University and then his MBA in economics from Stanford in 1967. Jim continued his commitment to public service by joining the United States Naval Reserve and served 2 tours in Vietnam doing dangerous duty on the riverboats, for which he received a Navy commendation medal, "V" device.
The desire to serve his country and community then moved to the State Senate, where from 1976 until 1982 Jim was elected to the Arizona State Senate. Recognizing his leadership abilities his peers in the Senate elected him Majority Whip in 1979. Jim was first elected to Congress in 1984, becoming the first Republican to represent southern Arizona since statehood. He represents the people of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District, which includes most of Tucson, eastern Pima County, all of Cochise County and parts of Pinal and Santa Cruz Counties. Jim is one of eight Members of Congress from Arizona and ranks 67th in seniority in the House.